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Many individuals are afflicted by scalp conditions. These range from bothersome itching and flaking to more serious and sometimes even painful sores and boils. While most scalp conditions are not life threatening occasional skin cancers can occur on the scalp.

Probably the most common and familiar skin condition is dandruff. The mild form of dandruff is characterized by white flakes and scalp itch. It is mainly a cosmetic nuisance. Sometimes dandruff can be more sever causing a large accumulation of flakes that clump together in oily mounds on the scalp and white globs on the hair. This is more common in puberty.

If the scalp is excessively oily it may be due to a scalp condition called seborrhea. Oil on the scalp is produced by the sebum gland. Excess sebum production often happens in adolescence and generally declines as you get older. It may cause the hair to feel greasy or oily.

Seborrheic dermatitis is another common scalp condition. Excess oil on the scalp causes greasy yellowish scales covering red inflamed skin. It is usually accompanies with intense itching. Scratching may exasperate the problem by causing secondary infections. Individuals of all ages may be affected, but seborrheic dermatitis most commonly occurs in infants under three months old, where it is called cradle cap, and in adults between thirty and sixty years old. Sever cases may also involve the eyebrows cheeks, and nose. Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition and requires regular treatment.

Psoriasis is another condition that often affects the scalp. It is usually characterized by very dry scaly flaky skin. Psoriasis will usually be present in other areas of the body as well, such as the elbows and knees. It may even effect the joints.